URGENT UPDATE: College & Career Resource Fair Location Changed to Godinez High School

Due to inclement weather, the SAUSD College & Career Resource Fair scheduled for this Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5–8 p.m., has been relocated to Godinez Fundamental High School. Students and families are invited to connect with college and university representatives, explore career pathways, learn about financial aid and admissions, and discover community resources—all while enjoying entertainment, activities and more. We look forward to seeing you there! Learn more at bit.ly/SAUSDCCRFAIR.  

Memorial Park Pool Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the SAUSD Information Booth joined the Memorial Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the completion of this new community resource. Washington Elementary students were among the first to enjoy the new swimming pool. Board Vice President Hector Bustos and Board Member Valerie Magdaleno were also in attendance to celebrate the completion of this community project. Click here for photos.

SAUSD Student Leaders Connect with FACE to Strengthen School Communities

Last week, SAUSD ASB student leaders gathered for their monthly meeting, hosted by the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department. Students learned about resources and upcoming workshops, discussed opportunities to collaborate in support of students and families, and created Coronas de Flores in celebration of Día de Muertos. Board Member Valerie Magdaleno, Student Board Members Yaiza and Isabella, and participating parents also joined the gathering. Click here for photos. 

Century High School Adult Transition Program Builds Real-World Skills

Students from Century High School’s Adult Transition Program recently brought their Coffee Club cart to the District Office, gaining hands-on experience in customer service, communication and money management while building confidence and independence. Thank you to District staff for supporting our students as they develop valuable skills for the future! Click here for photos.

Board Beat: October 13, 2026

Highlights from the October 13, 2026 SAUSD Board of Education meeting include recognition of Battle of the Books students and educators for their dedication to literacy and teamwork, adoption of a resolution proclaiming October as Bullying Prevention Month, approval of emergency remediation and repair work at Century High School, and the appointment of new District administrators. Watch the meeting replay here. 

October 2026 Employees of the Month

SAUSD recognized two outstanding staff members as Employees of the Month for October 2026. The Certificated Employee of the Month is Anna Colombo, kindergarten teacher at Monroe Elementary, and the Classified Employee of the Month is Claudia Carrillo, office manager at Monroe Elementary. Both were celebrated for their dedication, leadership, and meaningful contributions to students, families, and colleagues across the District. Congratulations to Anna and Claudia! Click here to learn more about their contributions to SAUSD.

SAUSD Board of Education Recognizes Battle of the Books Participants

At its October 13, 2026 meeting, the SAUSD Board of Education recognized student and adult representatives participating in the 2026–2027 Battle of the Books program. With 26 schools participating this year, the program encourages students to strengthen reading comprehension, build confidence and develop teamwork skills while fostering a lifelong love of reading.

SAUSD Welcomes New Leaders

At its October 13, 2026, meeting, the SAUSD Board of Education appointed Shelly Gill as Director of Governance and Compliance and Alvaro Quezada-Cano as Assistant Principal at Kennedy and Garfield Elementary Schools. Gill brings extensive experience in legal affairs, employee relations and policy management, while Quezada-Cano has served SAUSD students across various grade levels since 2005. The District welcomes both leaders to their new roles and looks forward to their continued contributions to the SAUSD community.

Little SAUSD Leaders: Meet Jenny Sosa

Jenny Sosa, Assistant Principal at Villa Fundamental Intermediate School, grew up in Acapulco, Mexico, where her parents and grandparents instilled in her the values of hard work, kindness and perseverance. Although she once dreamed of becoming an attorney, her journey led her to education, where she now dedicates herself to supporting students and shaping futures. Jenny’s story reflects the lasting impact of determination, compassion and the lessons that guide us throughout life.

30 Under 30 Alumni Spotlight: Victoria Morales

SAUSD alumna Victoria Morales, an Expanded Learning Programs Site Supervisor, is making a lasting impact by ensuring students feel seen, valued and supported. Through her years of service to students and families, Victoria has built meaningful connections that continue beyond the program, inspiring young people to recognize their potential and support one another along the way.



Know an outstanding SAUSD alum under 30 who is making a difference? Nominate them—or nominate yourself—for our 30 Under 30 Alumni Spotlight at bit.ly/4uhu77d.

SAUSD State of the District Luncheon: October 30, 2026

SAUSD community partners, parents and guardians are invited to join Superintendent Dr. Lorraine M. Perez and the Santa Ana Public Schools Foundation for the 2026 SAUSD State of the District Luncheon on Oct. 30, 2026, at Valley High School. Check-in begins at 11 a.m., with the luncheon taking place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual event will bring together educators, community leaders and partners to celebrate SAUSD’s achievements, highlight our progress and look ahead to the opportunities shaping the future of our schools and students.

Seniors and Families: 2027–28 Financial Aid Applications Now Open

The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are now open. Under California law and SAUSD Board Policy, high school seniors must complete one of these applications or submit an opt-out form before the end of the school year. The priority application deadline is March 2, 2027, and the opt-out deadline is April 30, 2027. Both applications are free and can help students access federal, state and college financial aid. Eligible students may also have up to $1,500 in CalKIDS scholarship funds available. SAUSD counselors and higher education coordinators are available to support students and families. Visit our site here for details, helpful resources and the FAFSA/CADAA Parent/Guardian Letter.

Plan Ahead with SAUSD's Academic Calendars

The academic calendar for the 2026-27 school year is available on our website. Stay informed and plan your school year ahead! Click here to access the calendar!

Flyers: Community Resources and More: Week of Oct. 14-20, 2026

Looking to connect with groups that provide free groceries, diapers, parenting workshops and more? Check out this week's flyer round-up here for details on these and other helpful resources.

Flood Preparedness Week: October 17–24, 2026

As we approach the rainy season and monitor the potential effects of El Niño, SAUSD encourages students, families and staff to take steps to prepare for possible flooding and severe weather. Review emergency plans, assemble an emergency kit, learn about local hazards and sign up for emergency alerts. Remember: Never walk or drive through floodwater. Turn around and find a safer route. For preparedness resources, visit California Flood Preparedness Week, MyHazards, Orange County El Niño Updates and AlertOC.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week: October 25–31, 2026

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is from October 25 through October 31, 2026. Our campaign message, “No amount of lead is safe for your child, so ask your healthcare provider for a blood lead test.”, encourages parents and caregivers to ask their healthcare provider about blood lead testing, especially if they think their child has been exposed to lead. Children can be exposed to lead where they live and play, and even small amounts of lead can harm a child’s health. The only way to know if a child has lead poisoning is to get a blood test for lead. Please contact the Orange County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) at 714-567-6220 if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our program. For additional information and resources, please visit OC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) and California Department of Public Health websites.

Inside the Classroom: Robotics and Coding at Lydia Romero-Cruz Academy

Explore how SAUSD students at Lydia Romero-Cruz Academy develop creativity, problem-solving skills and innovation through hands-on learning in robotics and coding. Click here to watch a video and take a look inside the classroom!

Valley High School Students Put Culinary and Business Skills to the Test

Students in Chef Easter’s class at Valley High School applied their culinary creativity and business skills in a pizza challenge focused on developing innovative pizza creations and marketing plans to help save a failing pizzeria. Eight teams competed before a panel of local pizzeria owner Max of Maxi’s Pizzeria and Valley High School and District representatives. Congratulations to the winning teams for their Hot Honey Fired Chicken Pizza featuring a sriracha-based sauce. At SAUSD, students gain real-world learning experiences that help prepare them for future success. Click here to watch a video highlighting the challenge and students’ creativity!

SAUSD Rewind for Week of Oct. 12-16, 2026

Join us in taking a look back at how students and staff spent their last few weeks of summer getting ready for a new semester. Click here to watch.